Movies are something I enjoy when I have the time. Some of my favorite movies are based on true stories because I love to see people succeed in the purpose they were created for. Invariably the stories that most resonated were stories where ordinary people reach out to those around them and are with them in their circumstances…they cared for people and cared about what they were going through.
Movies like Erin Brokovich and Patch Adams are among the favorites I watch again and again. Both of these people hit rock bottom, and then they found their purpose because instead of wallowing in their misery, they actually looked around and realized people were struggling all around them. They took it a step further by reaching out and letting others know they were not alone and helped them fight back.
What does this have to do with your business? Well, people want to work with people who care and are invested in their needs. In years past, people were friends with their doctor, lawyer, banker, etc. That reminds me of a different movie starring Michael J. Fox, Doc Hollywood. He played a recent medical school grad who was stranded in a small town and eventually found his true purpose as the small-town Doctor, but that’s another rabbit hole.
The point is the personal touch is something still needed today, even in the world of social media. Building relationships will create an environment where clients seek you out and you don’t need to chase after them.
Here are 3 simple things you can start to do immediately to improve your relationships with clients or potential clients.
Get them talking about themselves. Networking should be about getting to know people and making friends, not about selling people on our services. The truth is people don’t hire you because you’re the best; they hire you because they like you or you were recommended by someone who likes you. When you take the time to get to know them first, they understand you care about them and their business.
A bonus when you get people talking about themselves is learning what their biggest struggles are, what they’re passionate about, and what they’ve decided they need help with. This will clarify if you are a good fit with them or if you know someone who is. That way you don’t have to waste energy trying to convince people to work with you, the right ones will stand out during this process.
Get their contact information and reach out. Ask those you meet for their email address and their mailing address and follow up. This is huge because so few people follow through these days, and this will help you stand out. It shows you care about staying in touch and helping them.
Add them to your CRM and keep in touch with emails or notes throughout the year. They might not become your client, but they might know someone who needs your services and because you’ve stayed top of mind and they like you, they will recommend you.
Share valuable information with them for free. Publish an email newsletter with valuable tips and information to help them with their business. Look for ways to be helpful like sharing an article, book, or video. If you meet someone in need of their services send the information their way.
This is how you can network and build your business organically. It shows them you’re not just chasing dollars, but you genuinely care about them and their success. This takes time, but it’s a solid investment and will pay you back in unexpected ways.
By the way, this works in every aspect of your life. If you want to strengthen your current relationships or make more friends, this will work too. Isn’t that what’s missing in the world today…the personal touch?
What’s your favorite movie and what lessons have you learned from it? Please share them with us in the comments. Do you have a CRM? What do you like best about it?